Sociology and Criminology Foundation Courses (each is offered at least once each semester)

SY 4500    Cross Cultural Analysis                                   4 cr.        ► also required for all Criminology Majors

The major aims of the course are to broaden student knowledge and perspectives of diverse cultures and the global society by using historical, anthropological, and sociological theories and methods. The course will review such social processes as socio-cultural evolution, societal development and social revolution.  We will do comparative analyses, and debate global issues and policies. The issues include the global environment, population, resources, and technology; global stratification, international human rights, peace and war in contemporary society.
Offered every semester.

Prerequisite: EMS, SY 2500.

SY 4520    Methods of Sociological Research                  4 cr.        ► also required for all Criminology Majors

Focuses on the basic concepts and principles of sociological research. Issues of data collection are reviewed, including ethical and political questions related to sociology and criminology research, hypothesis formation and testing, sampling, questionnaire design, observational skills, content analysis, historical research and ethnography. Students are exposed to basic statistics in social research. Offered every semester.

Prerequisites: EMS; SY2500; SY 2750 or Math Proficiency.

SY 4530    Sociological Theory I                                       4 cr.        ► also required for all Criminology Majors

Introduces the central concepts and theoretical frameworks of the three macro-theorists, psychoanalytic theory, Marx, Durkheim and Weber. By reading original primary work by each theorist as well as secondary sources, students learn the content of the theories, the theorists' underlying assumptions and the empirical bases of their analyses of society.
Offered every semester.

Prerequisite: EMS, SY 2500.

SY 4540    Sociological Theory II                                      4 cr.

Introduces modern developments in sociological theory. It is required that students in the class have passed SY4530 Classical Sociological Theory. Students read original contemporary theoretical writings, studying how modern theory builds on and diverges from classical theories. Major fields of contemporary theory that may be covered include: modern functionalism, conflict and neo-Marxist theories, critical theory, the "new scholarship" that criticizes the ethnocentric and patriarchal bias of mainstream sociology and varieties of current microlevel theories. The emphasis is on understanding how each theorist approaches his/her own realm of inquiry as well as the actual idea systems created.
Offered every semester.

Prerequisites:  EMS, SY 2500, SY 4530.

CR 4550    Theories of Crime                                            4 cr.       
Students will read a variety of theoretical writings from the literature on crime and deviance.  Classes and assignments will be designed to enable students to summarize, assess, and critique these writings.  In addition, the implications of theoretical criminology for social/criminal justice policy will be explored. 
Offered every semester.
Prerequisite:  EMS, SY 2500, SY 4530.